Holiday Gifts for Seniors

By Anna Hazard

Tis the season for giving, and in that frame of mind, here are our top 10 suggestions of useful gifts for seniors both for the holidays or for whenever they may need a pick-me-up.
 
Suggestions vary in price points and run the range from those appropriate for animal or music lovers, arthritis or dementia sufferers, those with hand, visual, or hearing issues, as well as more general gifts that can be fun for any senior loved one.

Breathing Pet Plushes

• Realistic sleeping & breathing stuffed toys available in a variety of brands and breeds. A perfect gift for those animal lovers who live where pets aren't allowed or are otherwise unable to take care of them.
  
• Perfect Petzzz | LIBLO Dogs | LIBLO Cats | Precious Petzzz
  

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Fidget Quilts, Sensory Blankets, & Activity Mats

• Sturdy bits of cloth that are meant to provide tactile stimulation through the presence of different textures, zippers, buttons, snaps and other widgets that are meant to be manually manipulated. Good for those with Alzheimer's, dementia, or restless hands. These quilts can be hand sewn for a personal touch or bought pre-made.

• Fidget Quilt Guide | Fidget Quilt Pattern | Activity Mat Pattern | Pre-made Quilts
  

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Arthritis Gloves

• Stylish compression gloves that can be worn for both protection against the cold and improved circulation with the added benefit of helping with arthritis inflammation. Good for those seniors with poor circulation, inflammation, or pain within the hands.
• Generic Magnetic Arthritis Gloves | Imak Arthritis Gloves | Veturo Infrared Arthritis Gloves | Thermoskin Arthritis Gloves | Therall Arthritis Gloves
  

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Big Face Talking Clocks & Alarms

• These clocks and alarms have big faces (either digital or analog) for easy viewing in varying styles and sizes and include talking functions for those who respond better to auditory over visual cues. A suitable gift for those with vision or hearing problems. Switch over to the wristwatch version for those seniors on the go.
• Rehab Mart | Visibility Store | Hear More | Low Vision Store | Magnifying Aids
  

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Calendars

• It's that time of year to restock one's supplies of calendars for the upcoming new year. There are a wide range of options here varying from more generic calendars related to a senior's particular interests (such as kittens, boats, funny pictures), custom calendars that can be personalized with family photos and other unique touches, to high tech digital wall calendars. When it comes to those with visual impairments, remember to think BIG PRINT.
• Printed Calendars | Big Print Calendars | Custom Calendars | Digital Calendars
  

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Senior Cell Phones

• Keep in touch easier with your senior loved ones with a gift of a handy cell phone that has been specifically designed for the elderly. Features include big buttons, large text & screens, and enhanced volume & speakers for both basic phones and smart phones.
• Kisa Phone | Snapfōn ezTWO3G | Emporia Euphoria | MAXCOM Comfort MM461 | Doro PhoneEasy 612 | Just5 CP10S | Greatcall Jitterbug Flip | GreatCall Jitterbug Smartphone
  

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Senior Tablets

• Like with the senior friendly cell phones, there are a variety of tablets available that have been specifically tailored to meet the special needs of the elderly, whether through large buttons & text, simple interfaces, and preloaded with senior friendly software. These would be suitable gifts for those looking for more stimulation through playing games, reading, viewing photos & movies, or interacting with long range family through the tablet.
  
• Grandpad | Senior Touchpad | AARP Realpad

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Easy-to-hold Mugs & Cups

• These are two handled and other easy-to-grip mugs and cups available in a variety of sizes, prices, and styles. Pick one that best fits the personal taste of your senior loved one. Good for those with tremors, weakness, or other hand dexterity issues.
• 16 oz Easy Grip-in Mug | Thumbs-Up Arthritis Cup with Lid | Vivi Duo Cup Handle | Maddak Hand to Hand Mug | Independence Cups & Mugs | Independence 2 Handled Clear Mug | Granny Jo Dignity Mug | Nosy Glass
  

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Retro Music + Audio Players

• For the music lover with nostalgic taste (and for any of those who might benefit from music's therapeutic effect on the brain) are these old style radios, CD players, and MP3 systems. Include a retro music package (CD) to complete the package.
• Pyle Pro Retro Jukebox MP3 Player Radio | Pyle Pro MP3/CD/Record/Cassette Player | Teac Music Streamer Radio MP3/CD Player | Retro CD Radio | ElectroHome Winston Retro Radio CD/Record Player | Crosley Cathedral Radio CD Player | Aviator 8in1 Wooden Radio + Record/Cassette/CD Player
  

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Yoga for Seniors Kit

• Books, DVDs. and other items to help introduce seniors to a hobby and activity tailored specifically to their age group. Such exercises will help stave off infirmities and aid with maintaining the balance necessary to prevent catastrophic falls.
  
• Google | Amazon